ABOUT & CONTACT
ABOUT LUX FORGE
At the heart of LUX FORGE is Jiovanni 'Jae' Mancarella, a skilled transgender artisan whose vision shapes every piece that emerges from the workshop. Jae's mission is to create jewelry that transcends traditional boundaries, inviting everyone to experience the joy of wearing a LUX FORGE creation, regardless of their identity.
Sustainability and ethics are the cornerstones of our craft. Each LUX FORGE piece is meticulously handcrafted using 100% recycled precious metals. We take pride in our commitment to sourcing ethically mined gemstones and incorporating post-consumer recycled and lab-grown diamonds.
Our creative process often begins with the gemstone itself, allowing its natural beauty to inspire the design that will showcase it best. LUX FORGE jewelry is characterized by its compelling interplay of contrasting materials, textures, and finishes. We primarily work with gold, platinum, sterling silver, diamonds and gemstones.
Custom creations are a particular passion at LUX FORGE. We delight in crafting bespoke jewelry for all of life's momentous occasions — from bridal and engagement pieces to celebratory tokens, memorials, expressions of self-love, and markers of new life chapters. Our workshop doors are open to people from all walks of life, as we strive to dismantle the barriers often associated with fine custom jewelry.
Approachability and affordability are fundamental to our ethos; we offer fair pricing to everyone who seeks our services, ensuring that the world of personalized, high-quality jewelry is accessible to all.
Environmental responsibility is woven into every aspect of our studio practices. From our choice of ethically sourced materials to our efforts in reducing our ecological footprint, LUX FORGE is dedicated to employing responsible methods throughout our jewelry-making process.
At LUX FORGE, we believe that beautiful jewelry can coexist with ethical practices and inclusive values. Each piece we create is a testament to this belief, inviting wearers to adorn themselves with not just exquisite craftsmanship, but also with the knowledge that their jewelry reflects a commitment to a more sustainable and inclusive world.
MEET OUR FOUNDER
Jiovanni Mancarella is a Denver-born jeweler and goldsmith with a rich multicultural background. Coming from a family with German and Italian roots spread across the globe, Jiovanni's upbringing was steeped in creativity, thanks to artistic parents who nurtured his innate talents.
A 2017 graduate of Colorado State University, Jiovanni holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a concentration in Metalsmithing and Jewelry. His passion for gemstones and minerals, kindled at a young age, has been the driving force behind his career in the jewelry industry.
After graduation, Jiovanni worked at various jewelry stores throughout Colorado, gaining invaluable insights into the multifaceted nature of the business. These experiences, both positive and challenging, shaped his vision for ethical sourcing and sustainability in jewelry making.
As a transgender artist, Jiovanni is committed to breaking down traditional gender norms in the jewelry industry. His mission is to create pieces that empower individuals to express their authentic selves, believing in the transformative power of jewelry to boost confidence and self-expression.
When not in his workshop crafting unique pieces, Jiovanni can be found exploring Colorado's hiking trails, experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, or tending to his collection of houseplants. He also enjoys frequent visits to the Denver Botanic Gardens and cherishes time spent with family, partners, and his beloved cat, Wyatt.
Through his work, Jiovanni Mancarella strives to blend artistry, ethics, and inclusivity, creating jewelry that not only adorns but also empowers and inspires.